God was defined by John Lennon as a concept

Was John Lennon right about the existence of God?

Former-Beatle John Lennon once wrote and recorded a controversial song entitled simply God. In the song he defined the supreme deity like this: "God is a concept by which we measure our pain."

John then systematically lists a lot of deities, heroes, religious and occult pathways and famous people he doesn't believe in including The Beatles. He concludes that "the dream is over" and that he just believes in himself and Yoko Ono, and he adds:"and that's reality."

Amongst who and what he doesn't believe in are: The Bible, Gita, mantra, yoga, I-ching, tarot, Elvis, President Kennedy, Buddha, Jesus, kings and Zimmerman (Bob Dylan.)

I have often thought this is one of Lennon's best songs and the lyrics have made sense to me. It is a conclusion based on examining all these people and beliefs and pathways and finding they cannot be trusted and/or do not work. But in investigating and researching and experiencing it all for yourself you are "measuring your pain." An individual who was happy and content would have no need for believing in gods or magical or occult systems or in other people.

That people do and put their faith in gods, belief systems, magical practises, politicians, and pop stars all suggests strongly that they are not satisfied, that they want help, they want something more out of life - that they are to various degrees in pain.

God lyrics by John Lennon

God is a Concept by which
we measure our pain
I'll say it again
God is a Concept by which
we measure our pain
I don't believe in magic
I don't believe in I-ching
I don't believe in Bible
I don't believe in Tarot
I don't believe in Hitler
I don't believe in Jesus
I don't believe in Kennedy
I don't believe in Buddha
I don't believe in Mantra
I don't believe in Gita
I don't believe in Yoga
I don't believe in Kings
I don't believe in Elvis
I don't believe in Zimmerman
I don't believe in Beatles
I just believe in me...and that's reality

The dream is over
What can I say?
the Dream is Over
Yesterday
I was the Dreamweaver
But now I'm reborn
I was the Walrus
But now I'm John
and so dear friends
you'll just have to carry on
The Dream is over

God

God

Animals have no need for gods

At the same time I am very aware that the animals we share the planet with are not like this - they have no need for gods or religion or prayer or worship. So why do we?

Are we so discontented with our lives that unlike the other creatures, we feel a need to seek outside ourselves and for someone else or something else to come to our rescue or fulfill our desires and needs?

What is prayer about, if not asking some outside divine force to cause something you want? What is worship and religious devotion but a means to supposedly please some deity to get spiritual and material rewards?

I know that as a child I felt no need for God or prayers or church or understood any of it. I started looking into these matters because all was not well in my life. I was unhappy and wanted answers.

Now, as it happens I have investigated and been involved with to varying degrees and in no particular order: Christianity, Buddhism, Hare Krishna Temple, Gurdjieff, Jehovah's Witnesses, Scientology, Druidry, Wicca, Tarot and astrology. I have had, and still have, singer-songwriters like Dylan and Lennon as personal musical heroes and mentors.

I have prayed, chanted, been part of ceremonies, joined cults and put faith in all sorts of things but when all is said and done, like Lennon, I end up believing in me. I don't have any Yoko so cannot even include a partner or "soulmate."

I am sure that in my search I have been motivated by pain. I have been seeking a way to improve my life and improve the world. I know a lot of you believe in Jesus and some of you believe in other deities but I have no belief in them or need for them. Although having said that, I do believe in God but it is not some bullying, threatening, war-making invisible one in a book of stories. My God is the creator of everything and is everything. My version of God is closer to the Native American idea of the Great Spirit, or "The Isness," a term used by the Andromedans to describe what they believe in to contactee Alex Collier.

Once at a bad time in my life, in which I had just found myself to be a single-parent and had watched my partner have a total mental breakdown, plus I knew I had to find somewhere for my son and I to live because the rented place we were in was up for sale, I went into the Cardiff City Temple. It was a place where I had heard that people found Jesus and that miraculous healings took place and drug addicts got over their addictions.

I went there in good faith hoping it would help me and give me the faith these people shared. It did the very reverse and showed me it was no more than orchestrated mind-control by a priest.

The pastor asked the congregation to close their eyes and to say a prayer with him. He went on to say that the Lord Jesus was there that night and that he would come into any brother or sister out there who sincerely wanted to meet him. The priest said that Jesus would enter you and would take away whatever problems and fears you had. He said if you want the Lord Jesus as your friend then raise your hand.

I did and nothing happened apart from I heard the priest saying: "Hallelujah, a brother has accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into his life."

This was followed by another and another person putting their hands up in an effort to meet Jesus. What was really strange was that we were asked to come to the stage at the end of the night and I found that the others were saying that yes, they had been changed by this and could feel the presence of Jesus. I could feel nothing but more sadness at being the odd one out - something I have experienced over and over and over - and being aware of how I had been the catalyst to help the priest find more converts for the City Temple. I left and never returned.

Some years later I got involved with Jehovah's Witnesses after speaking to some who had called at the door. They were very nice people and we agree about how terrible it was that so many forms of wildlife are endangered - we got on to that subject because they were admiring my garden and collection of plants. They told me that one day Jehovah would be restoring the planet to the Paradise it was intended to be.

From then on a young man called David called around every week to help me with Bible Study and sometimes his sister and mother would accompany him.He impressed me with his faith in the religion as he had quit university to Witness door-to door.

I bought a Jehovah's Witness Bible, a book about the coming Paradise Earth, a child's book of Bible stories for my son and even a Concordance that had to be ordered so I could look up all references in the Bible.

We used to have long discussions and I had many questions. I listened to what David told me and even got rid of a Buddha statue I had and a collection of occult and ufology books I had because he told me they all had demonic influences in them.

I realised that although I had convinced myself that in the past I had read the Bible, that I hadn't because I had skipped boring sections like the Book of Chronicles. David explained to me that every word was the word of Jehovah God so I thought I had better rectify matters and read his every word and did so.

I told David that I wanted to quit smoking, especially after hearing that the Witnesses frowned on the practice because they view it as pollution. They had quoted a scripture to me about how "Jehovah is bringing to ruin all polluters of the Earth." It was the subject of one of their Watchtower magazines.

David told me that every day I should pray to Jehovah God and call upon his Son Jesus Christ to help me stop smoking. I did so daily for months but I still couldn't quit.

Eventually I ended seeing no more of the Witnesses because I refused to carry on going to the Kingdom Hall that they talked me into attending once.They said this was necessary because Saint Paul had said that the congregation should keep on meeting together in prayer, or words to that effect.

I was also becoming disillusioned because they were unable to answer my questions. I once asked: "If Jehovah is bringing to ruin all who are polluting the Earth and that smoking cigarettes does this, what about all the Witnesses who drive cars? Surely the exhaust from them is far worse than smoking?

Eventually I gave all my books to other Witnesses who made the mistake of calling on me. They can use them or give them to someone who wants to be a Witness, I thought.

So there you have some of my reasons why I don't believe in Jesus or Jehovah and why I think John Lennon wrote a great song. And here are a few lines I just penned that sum up my experiences:

Comments 69 comments

I knew John well and studied this song previously, and had run ins with the Jehovah's. But I continue John's work, and all I can say is that if you knew what I knew you would read my book. I know it sounds conceited, and a bit crazy, but you really need to look at my book. the work goes on but at present there aren't enough people joining in. find me at htttp://www.theholygrail.org.uk. AND I AM NOT A CRANK. (that's the way, but I'm not......:) )

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thanks for posting, Alex! i will have a look!

Paraglider 7 years ago from Kyle, Scotland

B of E - that's a good hub. I expect you'll get some flak for it, but not from this quarter. To me, it just makes sense.

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thanks, Paraglider!

Lynda 7 years ago

I'm with you on this Steve having had run-ins with Christianity, the Mormons and almost The Moonies! I'm not a fan of organised religions, they all have dodgy beginnings. I do, though, believe in spirit guides and helpers and in God as an energy. It's all interesting stuff and being inquisitive has lead me into all sorts of situations!

CJStone 7 years ago from Whitstable, UK

Steve, you forgot to mention that Lennon was doing Janov's Primal Scream therapy at the time, so there was something he believed in: he believed in Janov. Don't know if he changed his mind after or not, but he stopped writing any good songs after a while, and ended up as a house-husband, doing very little. Great hub though. I like it when you ask questions of existence (and the Jehovah's Witnesses).

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thanks for your posts, Lynda and Chris!

John, I understand did believe in various mystic pathways at various stages and he also believed in psychedelic drugs like acid!

Iphigenia 7 years ago

I've always loved this song and am with you on this. Personally - and very briefly - I think of myself as an agnostic because I don't believe in god. I do not call myself an atheist because so many people believe in god(s) and I do believe that for them he/she/they exist and I respect their faith.

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

I have just found out that I am a pantheist!

Thanks for posting, Iphigenia!

Jim Baker 7 years ago

Thanks.

Great song of course. Lennon is my hero (he would not like that thought!).

Also thanks for posting about your spiritual path. You came to the right conclusion early on, then REALLY got sidetracked, didn't you?

There is no point in seeking something that does not exist; you won't find it.

Greetings from the UK.

Jim.

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

You are right in there being no point in seeking something that doesn't exist, however, such things do exist in the beliefs of millions of other people.

Jim Baker 7 years ago

Yes, right Bard,

If we believe something strongly enough, then it does exist for us. We humans seek for a meaning. This can make us susceptible to others' mind games.

I am a pagan. I find my spirituality in the earth, nature, and the universe and don't do 'gods'. But that is just me. Each must find their own path.

I think Lennon eventually found his own path, after so much seeking.

May you find your own path too.

Jim------------

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thanks, Jim! I have found it! I am a "pantheist" - I found that out earlier today as a result of this thread on a hub by Alex Caldon who was first to respond. I am not looking for a religion, cult, guru or path any more although I am still looking for truth and answers!

James A Watkins 7 years ago from Chicago

As I survey the vast cosmos, we live in a tiny corner of, I believe it must be created—not an accident. I believe there is Objective Truth—a Truth that exists outside opinion and theory. I have made it my life's mission to seek who this Creator might be and what this Ultimate Truth is. I have studied all world religions (and cults) large and small, as well as philosophy, anthropology, mythology, history and science. My conclusion is that the personage of Jesus represents the most beautiful of human history and therefore I will follow Him.

lxxy 7 years ago from Beneath, Between, Beyond

"An individual who was happy and content would have no need for believing in gods or magical or occult systems or in other people."

Well said. Someday I'll delve into some of the weird religions I've seen from different times and planets!

Don't worry, you're not the only odd one out. ;)

In Lightspeed,

lxxy

goldentoad 7 years ago from Free and running....

good read Bard. I really enjoyed it, don't agree fully, but that's the beauty of it.

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thank you for your comments, James, lxxy and goldentoad!

CJStone 7 years ago from Whitstable, UK

Steve, I'm a pantheist too. Everything is sacred. It's the only thing that makes sense.

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

I had forgotten the word, Chris! This makes us two of a kind! lol

earnestshub 7 years ago from Melbourne Australia

Great hub Bard of Ely, you gave religion a pretty good look didn't you? I did the same, and arrived at the same conclusions about religion.

usmanali81 7 years ago

John Lennon, played a vital role in promoting atheism and zionism. These zionist promoted Lennon for their worldly gains specially his song "imagine there is no religion"

All of his songs were just evil thoughts like animals don't know God or dont need Him; totally wrong concept. Today science tells us, animals do have argue for them, for instance, they fight for a female, they search for food and travels a lot of miles to drink water, so they do need these things and things are not created by mere chance rather created by a certain ultimate scientist which is called as God-Allah. Today, the evolution theory has been proved totally wrong by several scientist, even evolutionists themselves admitted they this very theory does not lead to any fruitfull result and not even proved yet. This theory is only used and misused by the creator of great ISMs of the last century, for example, SOCIALISM, MARKSISM, CAPITALISM, ZIONISM etc.

Similarly, each and every being needs guidance for leading a life specially humans because they get deviated very easily by evils and evil followers.

Every body, group, family, community, city, country, world, universe needs a certain systematic structure, guidelines and rules to lead the life in a peacefull manner. Look around the equilibrium in the universe, so well placed and well obeyed by every particle. Religions provide these things for humans and the last and final way of life is ISLAM: A Peace For The Whole of Mankind.

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thanks for your feedback, earnestshub and usmanali81!

"animals don't know God or don't need Him; totally wrong concept. Today science tells us, animals do have argue for them, for instance, they fight for a female, they search for food and travels a lot of miles to drink water, so they do need these things and things are not created by mere chance rather created by a certain ultimate scientist which is called as God-Allah. Today, the evolution theory has been proved totally wrong by several scientist, even evolutionists themselves admitted they this very theory does not lead to any fruitfull result and not even proved yet."

Who said that "animals don't know God and don't need him? Lennon didn't say that and neither did I!

I would say that animals are far more in touch with God than humans - they do what they are designed to do and live content lives (unless their lives are ruined by humans) whereas people do whatever they like or are led into doing and often lead destructive, imbalanced and insane lives. I would argue that animals have no need for religions and do not pray or worship but simply live. Humans have religions and do pray and do worship and also kill each other, kill themselves and destroy other species and their environment. Which system makes the most sense? To my mind the way animals live without a doubt and it is a way without any religion! And adding to that, in a natural world the needs of the animals are all provided as they are for us. Unfortunately humans are insanely greedy and unfair and this causes some to amass great wealth at the expense of others who are very poor and suffering.

I agree with you that the evolution theory is not true and I can see very little evidence for it and do not believe it. I also agree with you totally that life is not made by "pure chance"but is the product of a designer we cannot understand. You call this designer Allah. I use the word "God". But my use of the word is in a pantheist way and not in a manmade way such as I believe a book like the Bible is. The Bible is the word of men not God but God made the men who wrote it and EVERYTHING else as well.

I do not see why we need any religions because religions are created by people and used by greedy rulers to dictate to populations and to justify unfairness and injustice and to create wars based on words written in books!

John Lennon was trying to create peace. Religions create division and war!

Writer Rider 7 years ago

Sounds like John Lennon was generally disillusioned. Thanks for this great hub about the Beatles (or Lennon actually) Bard.

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

You are welcome, Writer Rider! I would say that John was enlightened and inspired rather than disillusioned - he had examined all the faiths and objects of faith listed and found them all to be not worth investing your belief in but on the other hand had discovered self belief/love and love for Yoko and therefore had no need for any of the rest of it! I would add further that if everyone could find self belief and love that they would have no need for any of what is on his list either. It is only because people feel that they are lacking guidance, love, wealth, control, a saviour etc that they seek outside themselves and put faith in gods, magical and divination systems, other celebrity humans, political systems and science (one he left out).

Writer Rider 7 years ago

Yes, I see where John Lennon is coming from and agree whole heartedly. People tend to seek the emotional gratification through immaterial things when, in fact, loves itself solves all these problem. John Lennon and the Beatles were way ahead of their times.

Tom Koecke 7 years ago from Tacoma, Washington

I enjoyed reading this Hub. I've been a fan of Lennon's since I was a child, and went through my own similar search through life. Congratulations on finding Pantheism.

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thank you, Tom! I found it and lost it several times by listening to other people!

usmanali81 7 years ago

Dear Bard!

If i am not wrong, it seems that you are saying that animals are worth following, their lifestyle is ideal for humans to follow. It is just because you did not have a wide knowledge of animal kingdom.

First of all, animals do worship and pray to God but we can not sense it just as we can not sense their language and their mutual understanding.

Secondly, animals do fight and kill each other even in their own respective classes like lion killing another lion, if you have any doubt, please have a look at Animal Planet / National Geographic.

Thirdly, animals also ruin themselves as a whole, they drink water from resorviors in addition to their needs and do not preserve it for future thus face sever droughts which in turn make them to migrate, some become dead and some get killed.

Now, coming to Bible, i do agree with you rather the popes themselves agree that these different flavours of Bibles were not written by Jesus (peace be upon him). These books are written by John, Mathew, Luke etc. So, for that why we should blame Jesus (pbuh), why we should blame God, why we should blame religion as we are very well aware that these Paul and Popes change religions according to their own needs, they interpolate Bibles from time to time for their personal gains. Look around, today our world is lead by non religious people, have we got peace??? All of the ISMs like Atheism, Zionism, Marksism, Socialism, Capitalism are the by products of Darwin's ideologies. Have a look at the books of the founding fathers of these ISM's and you will find how they were impressed by Darwin's thoughts, how they praised him and used his theories as basis for their idealogies.

So, the religion is not to be blamed because religions are just meant for human beings specially to lead their lives as humans not as animals. Here, comes the point, which religion to be followed. Which one is in it's proper shape and structure. Which religion's book is not altered. Which one is the last and final religion for the whole of mankind.

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

I see no evidence at all of animals worshipping or praying to gods. They spend their time eating, sleeping, looking for food and mates, defending territories, etc and that is all they need to do. Yes, they may fight and kill rivals and enemies and for food but they do not wage war, they do not kill themselves and they do not kill off other species apart from taking what they need as food.

Humans on the other hand build huge constructions called churches at a vast cost and they pray and worship in them and usually get very pitiful if any results from their prayers suggesting that their gods are not listening. Humans also use their religions to justify all manner of evil behaviour including waging war and slavery. Religious books like the Bible allow slavery and the killing of people.

Looking at all this I see animal species that do not cause a danger to their own species or others and who live lives that do not in any way threaten the ecosystem, compared with humans who have religions and pray to unlistening deities and who themselves have insane and psychopathic leaders and systems of greed and imbalance that are a direct threat to the wildlife and environment and have rendered many species extinct. These human leaders (all who claim to be religious men) also wage wars upon other humans and think nothing of causing untold suffering and deaths.

Which system of living makes the most sense to my mind? The way animals live and also human tribal people!

Feline Prophet 7 years ago from India

I guess we all need a crutch of some sort to lean on in bad times. It's so sad that we don't see the guiding hand of God in good times. Such a thought provoking hub.

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thanks for posting, FP! I don't think we should need any sort of crutch to lean on - I agree we all do but that doesn't make it a good thing!

usmanali81 7 years ago

Have a look at the life style of ANTS. Almost 99.9% equal to that of Humans. They build houses, castles etc and have groups and some of them are mischief creators who wage war and in retaliation the peacefull ants fight back for their defence. Regarding ISLAM, it does not support killing. Similarly, if i am not wrong Bible also does not support killing. It's the misinterpretaions of the Fathers, Popes, Priests who misuse the verses and wage war by any means. The worst example of their misuse of religion is CRUSADES.

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Yes, I know about ants and indeed they do those things and also farm other insects but they are very different to people. The majority of workers are all non-reproducing females for starters, as with bees, and they work only for the benefit of the community not the self. The males do not work and are only used to mate with new queens and then they die. How is this 99.9% like humans? There is no individuality in an ants nest. People act as individuals and usually are selfish and fail to work for the benefit of the community (human race).

Both the Bible and Islamic laws have been used to justify countless deaths and I agree with you that the Crusades are a prime example of this.

usmanali81 7 years ago

The death laws in Islam have got a valid justification. Remember! a knife can be used for good as well as for bad. In Islam, there is a death penalty for rapist. Now if i ask you, God forbids if some one comes and rapes your mother, daughter, wife or sister in front of you after tying you up, which punishment will you prefer for the rapist??? Regarding, Ants, yes, they lead lives indivisually, in a family, group, community and region. They build armies, houses, castles. The queens are assigned special tasks which is different from ordinary male ants and the queen does not have sex with all the thousands of male ants around her. Have some more details about ants not just from wikipedia.

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

All cases of rape should be tried and dealt with according to circumstances, past history of the rapist accused etc. I think life imprisonment should be the maximum penalty because they represent a serious danger. Many soldiers commit rape and go unpunished for this. This has always historically been the case that invading soldiers can rape the women of the people they are attacking. The answer is that there should be no wars and invasions in the first place! Soldiers and the violent way they act are created that way by their training and conditioning. Men are not born as killers!

The point I was making about ants is that they are not like people!

Annie 7 years ago

I believe in God. I have God in my heart. And as long as I do the things that are right and not against any human being or anything else on this planet, God would be happy. So yes, I don't obesessively praise people, or this spirit we all call 'God', but me knowing that he's around, that he could be anywhere I go, I'm contented with that. God is my best friend after all. And yes, he comes first at any way.

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thanks for posting, Annie!

Alex Caldon 7 years ago

Excellent discussion you started here. And very interesting to see you've discovered you're a pantheist - not many about, and personally I think not enough of us! As Gandhi summed it up so succinctly "Truth is God". Pass the word ? if you like! I'm sure you will pass your thoughts on anyway.....

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thank you, Alex!

bayareagreatthing 7 years ago from Bay Area California

Interesting spin on relief of pain

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thanks for posting!

Doe ann 7 years ago

Hi, great thread! I always loved Lennon and this song! Was He Right? Yes, he was right for me! Thank you for such an interesting piece..."pantheism" going to have to check that out on Alex's Hub. Sounds like something I've been looking for!!

Thanks again for sharing...Peace~Doe

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thank you, Doe!

rmcrayne 7 years ago from San Antonio Texas

You've had quite a journey Bard. Interesting piece. As a Lennon fan I couldn't resist.

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thank you,rmcrayne!

Tomo 7 years ago

To be honest i have studied the bible for twenty plus years, i have never been able to disprove any prophecy spoken init one of the stand out ones are the fall of babylon 607 b.c.e to Cyrus mede/persian. he was named 200 yrs earlier by name in the bible that this would take place and the manner in which it would happen rivers of bablon diverted and the city doors left open.

The future prophecy's pin point our era as the last days, jesus said there would be earthquakes in one place after another, that's always been you might say but in the 20th centuary there have been more earthquakes than the previous two thousand that is just one of the many many signs indicating the last days.

Bard of Ely 7 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thanks for posting your feedback!

someonewhoknows 6 years ago from south and west of canada,north of ohio

The way I understand it,religions were started by people as a result their awareness of nature and how it affects their life. They also encountered Extratrestrials's that came to earth which they thought of as "Gods".At least that is what I've read concerning the egyptian culture at some point in their past.When the Et's left,for whatever reason these peoples leaders tried to fool the people into believing that they were "Gods" also,by shaping the heads of their offspring to look like those of the Et's they worshiped.Later,more and more "Gods" were created by these power hungry individuals.Those who represented themselves as the only source of contact with the "Gods" required sacrifices of all kinds in order to curry the favor of the "Gods".They became the "Gods" direct representitives.This would explain a lot concerning the Roman Catholic Church's popes,cardnials,preists,and nuns.

Religions of all kinds ,even islam have had terrible as well a wonderfull histories.I'm not sure which side of their histories was more heavily weighted.The good or the bad.For the record I do know that a higher power exists.What it is,isn't exactly clear.

Bard of Ely 6 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thanks for that! I personally don't think the ETs ever went away... well not all of them. I think there are many races involved with this planet, and that some are not ETs but other dimensionals.

Ed 6 years ago

One of my favorite Lennon songs, I remember the impact it had on me the first time I heard it. I found it somehow hopeful. Seems like a strange reaction to many, I know, but I really did find the song comforting.

Bard of Ely 6 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Well, yes, I can see it that way too. If most people stopped needing religions, saviours, messiahs, idols, divination and mystical techniques etc etc maybe the world would be a lot better than it is?

BJBenson 6 years ago from USA

HI, the thing about Jesus is he died on a cross to pay for our sins.It is faith. You either beleive or you don't. However, from the time of his death. Men have used that knowledge to gain power and control over others. I do not believe in organized religion. Since I know all I have to do is have faith. Please , don't think I'm trying to convert.

Everyone has to find their own way to Heaven.

I just wanted to wish you luck on your way.

Bard of Ely 6 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thanks for your comments, BJ! I personally have no need for a religion and am not looking for Heaven!

Obed Arango 6 years ago

I do not believe in John Lennon.

Lennon was honest in his commentaries and that is the point he discovered the truth in his life and that is the point. However, his view regarding believers, I am no talking religion people as he describes, I am talking about believers that are free to believe in self- consciousness that move them actually to transform life and the context such as Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Desmond TUTU, and many others arrive to a divine reality, not in dependency instead in the knowledge that life is beyond their own realities. When John express that he only believes in him and in Yoko is one step of narcissism in which center himself in the universe and also as the only universe. I do not think that he went there but many artist ends there to be the "only gods", Freedom is what makes this song great and what makes his reflection great. But he cannot let behind that believers might arrive to a similar truth in a different way.

Bard of Ely 6 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thank you for your thoughts, Obed!

nowisthetime34 6 years ago from USA

I wouldn't use John Lennon as a guidepost, if I were you.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJFN19Xz6gU

Bard of Ely 6 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

I stick with my opinion having watched that video which is basically an ad for Christianity! I was pleased to hear John Lydon on a video yesterday saying he believes that religion should be abolished too - it gave me another reason to admire him. As I see it all religion does is cause war, division and is a very strong form of mind control! I see no need for it at all and I can say all that as a very spiritual person!

Olga Ritchie 5 years ago

You said you are asking about the truth and answers. I myself have found all the answers I had to my deepest questions. Like, what's the meaning of life? Where are the dead? Is there really an immortal soul? Is there a God? But I am not sure if you are ready to accept the source where I found them from. It's worth the try. Just pop a question and let's see if I can help you out with the answer!

Bard of Ely 5 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

I know the answers to all those questions! But I don't know what you are trying to sell or preach!

Olga Ritchie 5 years ago

Then I guess you know it all!

Bard of Ely 5 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

No, of course not, but I am wondering why I need to ask you! Perhaps you could explain?

Olga Ritchie 5 years ago

Well, I've found in my limited experience in life that some people know more about certain things than I do. For example, I know nothing about being an engineer or a doctor or painting. And I am sure you might know more about those subjects than I do. And I would be willing to learn from you if you had something to say about it. So, could it be possible that I might know other things that other people don't know just because we humans can not know everything about any subject? Of course, this is my humble opinion. You don't have to agree with it.

Bard of Ely 5 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

I would agree with you on that, Olga!

Shirley Aguas 5 years ago from Philippines

There are a lot of people who tried to find something..and found that there was nothing in there after all. It may sound sad, but actually, it just answers those troubling questions nagging our minds for such a long time. And so, the answer is actually simple. It is not about any deity. At the end of the day, it is always up to us. There will be no deity looking over our shoulders.

Great hub. I share your thoughts on this one.

Bard of Ely 5 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thank you for your feedback!

PARASMART 5 years ago from CALIFORNIA

John Lennon is not only a legend he was one of a kind, a hero for all men, I wish I could had met him in real life, he is great and always will be!!!!! we love you still John Lennon!!!! even if the dream is over...for you!!!

Bard of Ely 5 years ago from Lisbon, Portugal Author

Thanks for that!

BREWSTER 5 years ago

NOT ONLY WAS JOHN LENNON A GREAT MAN HE WAS ONE OF THE FEW MAJOR ARTIST TO STAND UP FOR THE COMMON MAN AND DENOUNCE RELIGION. ALL RELIGION HAS DONE IS ENSLAVED MAN SPIRITUALLY. HE IS A SPRITUAL SLAVE FOR THE MOST PART ARE A 'SAVED SINNER', I DON'T KNOW WHICH IS WORST. I WAS NEARLY KILLED FOR VOICING MY OPINION AGAINST ORGANIZED RELIGION. MY FAMILY DESERTED ME AND MY FRIENDS, SO-CALLED FRIENDS, CONTINUALLY USE ME IF I DON'T STOP THEM. ALL IN THE NAME OF BEING A JUSTIFIED SON OF GOD! NO WE DON'T NEED RELIGION. WE NEED MORE MEN LIKE JOHN LENNON! THEN MAN WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO TRULY BE HAPPY AND FREE THE WAY GOD MEANT FOR HIM TO BE!